Apparel with removable insert

ABSTRACT

An apparel system having a removable insert therein that can selectively transport a protect layer. The removable insert may be selectively inserted within a pocket on an apparel item. The removable insert may include an activated carbon layer to help absorb and/or neutralize odorous air in the pocket or in another location on the apparel item.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

The present patent application is a non-provisional patent application that claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63/187,237, filed on May 11, 2021, entitled “Apparel With Removable Insert”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally relates to an item of apparel having a removable pocket insert.

BACKGROUND

Activated carbon comes in a variety of forms and is used with various objects to adsorb undesirable components from a local environment. However, the effectiveness of the activated carbon in adsorbing undesirable components is greatly reduced when the object gets wet and allows liquids (e.g. sweat or water) to reach the activated carbon. This is particularly true for apparel items since they go into washing machines with their respective protective layers.

Consequently, there is a need for an apparel item having a removable insert that can selectively transport a protective layer. Typically, pockets in apparel items are designed to just carry and stow objects.

BRIEF SUMMARY

What is provided is an apparel item having a removable insert therein that can selectively transport a protect layer. The removable insert may be selectively inserted within a pocket on an apparel item. The removable insert may include an activated carbon layer to help adsorb and/or neutralize odorous air in the pocket or in another location on the apparel item.

In one embodiment, the pocket includes a pocket opening having two sides, wherein one or more fastening mechanisms are positioned on the interior of each of the sides. The fastening mechanisms may include one or more zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, sliders, buttons, hooks, snaps, adhesives, stitching, bonding, laminates, and the like.

In one embodiment, the pocket insert also includes one or more fastening mechanisms for selective attachment to the one or more fastening mechanisms inside the pocket of the apparel item. The fastening mechanisms on the pocket insert may be positioned on different locations of the pocket insert. The fastening mechanisms on the pocket insert may include one or more zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, sliders, buttons, hooks, snaps, adhesives, stitching, bonding, laminates, and the like.

In one embodiment, the pocket insert incudes a first fabric layer, an activated carbon layer positioned above the first fabric layer, and a second fabric layer positioned above the activated carbon layer.

In one embodiment, an apparel system includes a pocket having first and second pocket sides, the apparel system also including a pocket opening that is closable by a first fastening mechanism situated at the pocket opening. The apparel system further includes a removable pocket insert having first and second ends situated in the pocket. The first end of the pocket insert includes first and second lip portions that define an insert opening therebetween. The first lip portion includes a first lip fastening mechanism that is attachable to a first mating fastener on an inside of the first pocket side. The second lip portion includes a second lip fastening mechanism that is attachable to a second mating fastener on an inside of the second pocket side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as other advantages of the present disclosure, will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description when considered in light of the accompanying drawings in which.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an apparel item including an exemplary pocket insert according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of a portion of the apparel item illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein the pocket insert is removed from the apparel item.

FIG. 3 illustrates another front view of the portion of the apparel item and the pocket insert illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the pocket insert illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the pocket insert illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of a portion of different apparel item and a different exemplary pocket insert according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that the present disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed and defined herein. Hence, specific dimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to the various embodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated otherwise.

The term “apparel item” as used herein, may include apparel items, such as shirts, sweatshirts, pants, shorts, jackets, coats, socks, and the like. As used in this disclosure, terms such as “coupling,” “affixing,” and “securing” may mean removably attaching or permanently attaching two or more elements together. Elements may be removably attached using, for instance, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners, sliders, buttons, hooks, snaps, removable adhesives, and the like. Elements may be permanently attached using, for instance, stitching, bonding, welding, laminates, adhesives, and the like.

The following is a list of elements that are referenced in FIGS. 1-6 and this specification:

-   -   10 apparel item     -   12 pocket insert     -   14 first panel of material     -   16 second panel of material     -   18 pocket     -   20 pocket opening     -   22 zipper     -   24 first and second hook-and-fastener strips 24     -   26 sides of opening     -   28 first end of pocket insert     -   30 lip     -   32 second end of pocket insert     -   34 insert opening     -   36 lip fastening mechanism     -   38 first fabric layer     -   40 activated carbon layer     -   42 second fabric layer     -   100 different apparel item     -   112 pocket insert     -   114 first end of pocket insert     -   116 second end of pocket insert     -   118 pocket     -   120 pocket opening

FIGS. 1-3 are front views of an apparel item 10 and an exemplary pocket insert 12 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The apparel item 10 is shown in the form of a sweatshirt, but it is contemplated herein that the apparel item 10 may be any type of apparel item. The apparel item 10 is formed from at least a first panel of material 14 that forms an outer layer of the apparel item 10 and a second panel of material 16 that forms an inner layer of the apparel item 10. In some examples, the first panel of material 14 may include a separate panel from the second panel of material 16, and in other aspects, the first and second panels of material 14 and 16 may include a single piece of material that is manipulated to form the different layers of the apparel item 10.

In the embodiment seen in FIGS. 1-3, the apparel item 10 includes a pocket 18 having a pocket opening 20. The pocket 18 includes a second panel of material 16 therein. The pocket opening 20, in some examples, may be configured as a slit-type opening to minimize the profile of the opening 20 and to help secure objects stowed in the pocket 18. In this embodiment, the opening 20 has two sides 26 that may be closed together using a zipper 22. However, the opening 20 may be closed through a variety of other fastening mechanisms in other embodiments, including a hook-and-loop fastener, slider, button, hook, snap, and the like.

The location and the size of the opening 20 and the pocket 18 are exemplary and they may each vary in other embodiments. For example, the apparel item 10 may include other pocket openings and pocket structures that vary in location from those shown in the figures of the present disclosure. Also, the size of the pocket opening 20 and/or the size of the pocket 18 may be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of objects meant to be inserted and retained within the pocket 18, such as the pocket insert 12.

As best seen in FIG. 2, and as a non-limiting example, two substantially parallel strips 24 of hook-and-loop fasteners are positioned on the second panel of material 16. In this embodiment, a first strip 24 is positioned on the inside of one of the sides 26 and a second strip 24 is positioned on the inside of the other side 26 of the pocket opening 20. In other embodiments, the second panel of material 16 in the pocket opening 20 may include one strip of hook-and-loop fastener (as shown in FIG. 3) or more than two strips of hook-and-loop fasteners. In other embodiments, pocket openings may include other types of fastening mechanisms therein, such as one or more zippers, sliders, buttons, hooks, snaps, adhesives, stitching, bonding, welding, and any combinations thereof.

As best seen in FIGS. 1-3, the pocket insert 12 is selectively attached to one or more of the sides 26 in the second panel of material 16 of the pocket opening 20. The pocket insert 12 may have a variety of configurations, shapes, and sizes so long as the pocket insert 12 is capable of being fully inserted within the pocket opening 20 of the pocket 18 on the apparel item 10. In some examples, the insert opening 34 of the pocket insert 12 may be used to store and retain other objects. As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pocket insert 12 has a first end 28 and a second end 32, wherein the length of the second end 32 is less than the length of the first end 28.

As best seen in FIG. 2, and as a non-limiting example, the first end 28 includes a lip 30 having two portions and defining an insert opening 34. The insert opening 34 extends along the length of the first end 28. Each of the portions of the lip 30 includes a lip fastening mechanism 36. In this embodiment, each of the lip fastening mechanisms 36 is a hook-and-loop fastener. In other embodiments, the lip fastening mechanism 36 may be one or more zippers, sliders, buttons, hooks, snaps, adhesives, stitching, bonding, welding, and any combinations thereof.

As seen in FIG. 2, a first portion of the lip 30 selectively attaches to the first hook-and-loop fastener strip 24 and a second part of the lip 30 selectively attaches to the second hook-and-loop fastener strip 24 positioned on the inside of one of the sides 26 of the pocket 18. Once the first end 28 is attached to the strips 24 and inserted within the pocket opening 20, the second end 32 of the pocket insert 12 is also inserted within the pocket 18 of the apparel item 10. The pocket opening 20 may then be closed with the pocket insert 12 contained therein using the zipper 22.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the pocket insert 12 is in a closed position such that the portions of the lip 30 are in contact with each other and there is no insert opening. In this example, the lip 30 is located on the first end 28 and includes a lip fastening mechanism 36 that includes one or more hook-and-loop fasteners. The lip fastening mechanism 36 selectively attaches to one strip 24 of hook-and-loop fastener positioned on the inside of the pocket 18 of the apparel item 10. Once the lip fastening mechanism 36 on the first end 28 is attached to the strip 24 and inserted within the pocket opening 20, the second end 32 of the pocket insert 12 is also inserted within the pocket 18 of the apparel item 10. The pocket opening 20 may then be closed with the pocket insert 12 contained therein using the zipper 22.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show views of the pocket insert 12. The pocket insert 12 includes a first fabric layer 38 that is configured to prevent liquids from entering the pocket insert 12 and for ensuring that little to no air escapes from the location where the pocket insert 12 is positioned. For example, when the pocket insert 12 is inserted into the pocket 18 of the apparel item 10, the first fabric layer 38 helps prevent odorous air from escaping from the pocket 18. The first fabric layer 38 may include a variety of different material and fabrics, such as nylon or polyester.

The pocket insert 12 also includes an activated carbon layer 40 that is provided above the first fabric layer 38. The activated carbon layer 40 includes at least one layer of activated carbon. The activated carbon may be made from industrial high potency carbon felt. The activated carbon layer 40 is configured to adsorb and neutralize odorous air by taking them out of circulation. The carbon layer 40 is also configured to keep clean and fresh items contained therein from spoilage or contamination from external sources.

The pocket insert 12 also includes a second fabric layer 42 that is provided above the activated carbon layer 40. As with the first fabric layer 38, the second fabric layer 42 is also configured to prevent liquids from entering the pocket insert 12 and for ensuring that little to no air escapes from the location where the pocket insert 12 is positioned. For example, when the pocket insert 12 is inserted into the pocket 18 of the apparel item 10, the second fabric layer 42 helps prevent odorous air from escaping from the pocket 18.

In some embodiments, the pocket insert 12 also includes an airflow liner that may be provided either below or above the activated carbon layer 40. The airflow liner 44 is configured to protect the carbon layer while allowing air flow, while minimizing smell/odor retention from the pocket 18 of the apparel item 10. In other embodiments, other pocket inserts may include more or fewer layers and the layers may be different than those included in the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a front view of a portion of different apparel item 100 and a different exemplary pocket insert 112 according to another embodiment of the disclosure. The apparel item 100 in this example includes a pocket 118 having a pocket opening 120. In this embodiment, the pocket insert 112 includes a first end 114 and an opposing second end 116. The first end 114 may include one or more fastening mechanisms, such as one or more hook-and-loop fasteners. Other types of fastening mechanisms may be used in other embodiments.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the pocket opening 120 is closed by using a zipper 122. However, the pocket opening 120 does not have any fastening mechanisms located in the interior. As a result, the pocket insert 112 may be press fit into the pocket opening 120 by first inserting the second end 116 of the pocket insert 112. In an alternative embodiment, the first end 114 is inserted and press fit first into the pocket opening 120.

Some of the significant benefits of the present disclosure include the ability to selectively attach pocket inserts into pockets found on various different locations on various different apparel items. The pockets may have various sizes, shapes, and configurations so long as they are able to receive and contain the pocket inserts. The pocket insert may be readily attached and removed from the apparel item depending on the desired use for the apparel item. For example, the pocket insert may be removed before apparel item is placed in a washing machine. Also, the pocket insert does not require as many layers or materials since it is not permanently positioned in the apparel item.

It is to be understood that the various embodiments described in this specification and as illustrated in the attached drawings are simply exemplary embodiments illustrating the inventive concepts as defined in the claims. As a result, it is to be understood that the various embodiments described and illustrated may be combined to from the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the present disclosure has been described to represent what is considered to represent the preferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that this disclosure can be practiced in other ways than those specifically illustrated and described without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be also understand that the terms “including” and “having” are synonymous.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Process steps may be performed in an order different than those presented for purposes of example. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparel system, comprising: an apparel article including a pocket (18) having first and second pocket sides, the apparel article including a pocket opening (20) that is closable by a first fastening mechanism situated at the pocket opening (20); and a removable pocket insert (12) including first and second ends situated in the pocket (18), the first end of the pocket insert (12) including first and second lip portions that define an insert opening (34) therebetween, the first lip portion including a first lip fastening mechanism (36) that is attachable to a first mating fastener on an inside of the first pocket side, the second lip portion including a second lip fastening mechanism (36) that is attachable to a second mating fastener on an inside of the second pocket side.
 2. The apparel system of claim 1, wherein the insert opening (34) extends along a length of first end (28) of pocket (18).
 3. The apparel system of claim 1, wherein the first lip fastening mechanism (36) selectively attaches to the first mating fastener on the inside of the first pocket side.
 4. The apparel system of claim 1, wherein the second lip fastening mechanism (36) selectively attaches to the second mating fastener on the inside of the second pocket side.
 5. The apparel system of claim 1, wherein the pocket insert (12) includes a first fabric layer (38) that is configured to prevent liquids from entering the pocket insert (12).
 6. The apparel system of claim 5, wherein the pocket insert (12) includes a layer of activated carbon (40) that is configured to adsorb odorous air.
 7. The apparel system of claim 5, wherein the pocket insert (12) includes a layer of activated carbon (40) that is configured to prevent contamination of items stored therein.
 8. The apparel system of claim 6, wherein the layer of activated carbon (40) is situated on a first side of the first fabric layer.
 9. The apparel system of claim 8, further comprising a second layer of fabric (42) situated on a second side of the layer of activated carbon.
 10. The apparel system of claim 1, wherein the first fastening mechanism comprises a zipper. 